Human Rights Activists Greet President's U.N. Speech by Unfurling a 1500-Square-Foot Banner Over the East River

NEW YORK-Human rights activists pre-empted President Bush's speech before the U.N. General Assembly early Thursday morning by unfurling a 50-foot by 30-foot banner over the East River. The banner, which read "Earth to Bush: No Iraq War," was hoisted in the air by four giant helium-filled weather balloons. The protesters sought to illustrate the virtually unanimous global opposition to the administration's planned invasion of Iraq.

NGO Representatives of the world, participating in the 55th UN DPI/NGO Annual Conference, hereby approve and sign on the following statement on Iraq, after meeting in an emergency session at the Church Center across from the United Nations:

Expressing our deep sorrow and sympathy for all the civilian victims of 9/11 tragedy and the U.S. bombing in Afghanistan;

Recalling that Article 2(3) of the UN Charter requires all Member states to "settle their international disputes by peaceful means;"

Recalling that Article 2(4) of the UN Charter requires all Member states to "refrain in the international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state;"

Support for the President is evaporating in the face of his plans for a unilateral invasion of Iraq. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans are not satisfied with the President's rationale for war. While the justification for war remains cloudy, the costs of a US attack are becoming more clear. Skepticism to the administration's plans is increasing among American citizens, and the question of Iraq is likely to have an impact in November.

Two recent polls show that American concerns about the President's foreign policy are growing. According to a New York Times/CBS poll:

· Sixty-four percent of respondents believe the administration has failed to adequately explain why military action is required against Iraq.

· Fifty-six percent of respondents believe that the United Nations should be given more time to secure the return of weapons inspectors.

QUOTE: "The many words that are uttered about Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction, which are never substantiated with any hard evidence, seem to mean very little. Even if Saddam had such weapons, why would he wish to use them? He knows that if he moves to seize the oilfields in neighbouring countries the full might of the western world will be ranged against him. He knows that if he attacks Israel the same fate awaits him. Comparisons with Hitler are silly - Hitler thought he could win; Saddam knows he cannot. Even if he has nuclear weapons he cannot win a war against America. The United States can easily contain him. They do not need to try and force him to irrationality."

During the Gulf War, 200,000 Iraqis were killed by more than 88,500 tons of explosives dropped by UN/U.S. bombers. This slaughter was paid for by our tax dollars. In the years since, more than 1.5 million Iraqi civilians have perished as a consequence of malnutrition and disease caused by economic sanctions. We must stop the Bush administration's mad drive to launch a new, all-out military aggression against Iraq. Stop the war before it starts!

Since June 10th, We have been doing our best to let you our readers know how you can involved in our affiliate organizations work to create a more peaceful just society. It is clear that you are looking for ways to have your voice heard.

Hundreds of you have taken the pledge against war in Iraq.

We are currently highlighting the need to make September 11th the catalyst for creating a peaceful just society to hand down to our children, and future generations.

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